1. My Dogs are Barking
Besides the daily pressure we put on our feet from normal activities, things like sports and exercise add extra stress. Made up of nearly 40 bones and lots of muscles as well as joints, ligaments and tendons, the foot is an intricate system and important part of the human anatomy and is vulnerable to injury. Foot muscles, especially, are susceptible to strain and cramping. Often feet ache, but we pay little attention to them. Foot muscles need more than just shoe removal and a lounge on the couch while watching TV.
2. Stretch About a Foot
We take our feet for granted and often ignore minor aches and pains until it's too late. When it comes to stretching out and warming up before exercise, foot muscles are often neglected. As it is with all muscles, it's important to stretch foot muscles before and after exercise. It's actually a good idea to stretch out foot muscles daily, anyway, since routine activities put strain on feet. While sitting anywhere, practice alternate flexing and pointing of your toes and feet. Most stretches for your calf muscles also stretch your foot muscles.
3. Relax Away Pain and Discomfort
Your entire body will benefit from a foot massage. You can hire a professional masseuse, or you can massage your feet at home. Place a tennis ball under your arch and roll it around with your foot. You can do this from a seated or standing position, but don't attempt to stand and balance on it. The more pressure you apply, though, the better it will feel. Try soaking feet in warm water and Epsom salt. The magnesium sulphate will soothe foot muscles. Also, rub your feet daily with massage oil, lotion or even a petroleum and lanolin based product like medicated Bag Balm (wear socks afterwards). According to reflexology, feet are directly linked to other parts of your body, and you can often soothe or heal related parts with foot massage.
4. Happy Feet
The best way to take care of your foot muscles and the rest of your body is to eat right and minimize emotional, mental and spiritual stress. Getting plenty of vitamins from a variety of whole foods will help to keep muscles and other parts of the body healthy and happy. However, state of mind and perceived well-being affect overall health too. Besides maintaining a healthy diet, try relaxation exercises, such as yoga, that will help your foot muscles as well as other parts of your body. Poses like shoulder and head stands relieve the pressure from your lower extremities and help with blood flow.
5. Prop up Your Feet and Rest a While
Rest your foot muscles. Getting plenty of sleep, rest and relaxation will allow your body to recuperate and rejuvenate itself. Foot muscles, especially, need rest since they're utilized the most. Prop your feet up every chance you get during the day. Not only will elevating your feet relax your foot muscles, but it will also help with circulation. Elevating your feet above your heart helps return blood and fluid to your heart, and it can also help you to think.
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